Citrine (and likely Prehnite)
Quartz var. Citrine (SiO2) and Prehnite (Ca2Al2Si3O10(OH)2) · Semi-Precious Gemstone
Crystal System
Trigonal (Citrine) with hexagonal prisms; Orthorhombic (Prehnite) with botryoidal or globular habits.
Mineral Group
Silicates (Citrine is a Tectosilicate; Prehnite is a Phyllosilicate/Inosilicate hybrid)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 (Citrine color typically from ferric iron inclusions or irradiation); Ca2Al2Si3O10(OH)2 (Prehnite)
Formation Process
Hydrothermal or Magmatic (Citrine often forms in pegmatites); Metamorphic or Hydrothermal (Prehnite forms in cavities of volcanic rocks).
About This Crystal
The bracelet features transparent, pale champagne-yellow spheres (Citrine) and a single translucent, pale mint-green semi-opaque bead (likely Prehnite). The Citrine beads exhibit a vitreous luster with high clarity, while the green bead has a softer, waxy to pearly luster.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Pale yellow and mint green. Streak: White. Cleavage: None (Citrine), Good in one direction (Prehnite). Fracture: Conchoidal. Specific Gravity: 2.65 (Citrine) to 2.9 (Prehnite).
Optical Properties
Citrine is uniaxial positive with a refractive index of ~1.544-1.553. Prehnite is biaxial positive with an RI of ~1.61-1.67. Both display vitreous luster when polished.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia (Citrine); South Africa, Australia, and Mali (Prehnite)
Hardness & Durability
Citrine: 7.0 Mohs (Excellent durability). Prehnite: 6.0-6.5 Mohs (Good durability, but softer than quartz).
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight for Citrine, as it can fade. Avoid harsh chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners for Prehnite.
Rarity & Value
Citrine is common but natural (unheated) Citrine is relatively rare; most commercial citrine is heat-treated Amethyst. High clarity beads are inexpensive to moderately priced.
Special Characteristics
The yellow beads show high transparency. In natural specimens, Citrine may show minor color zoning. Prehnite often features hair-like inclusions of Epidote, though not clearly visible here.
Lore & History
Historically known as the 'Merchant's Stone' for its association with wealth and prosperity. In modern lore, it is linked to the Solar Plexus Chakra. Prehnite is traditionally known as a stone of unconditional love and the heart chakra.